I’m very disappointed at the deliberate misreporting of my comments regarding the situation in Venezuela.

I have not said that Hugo Chávez should have killed anyone and nor would I ever advocate it. I even dispel this accusation in the very interview that is being extensively quoted.

The point I was making is that contrary to some misrepresentations, Hugo Chávez didn’t repress the former ruling elite in Venezuela and many members of the former ruling elite have stayed in the country, seeking to overthrow elected Presidents through unconstitutional and violent means (including the coup in 2002) ever since.

The situation in Venezuela requires serious discussion in the media and not distorted, sensationalist media reporting aimed at creating clickbait.